The school building, once a place of learning and growth, now offers little shelter or protection from the elements.
GBARNGA — As students of Dorothy Cooper Junior and Semi High School prepare to return to class on Monday, February 17, the campus remains in a state of disrepair, following a violent storm two weeks ago that left much of the school’s roof torn off.
By: Selma Lomax, [email protected]
In a community already grappling with unmet educational needs, this storm’s aftermath has only deepened the sense of urgency for action.
Under open skies, students and teachers have continued to conduct classes, braving the unpredictable weather. With no roof over their heads, they face not only the searing heat of the sun but also the constant threat of rain.
The school building, once a place of learning and growth, now offers little shelter or protection from the elements.
“This is not easy,” said Principal Gonpein, his voice tinged with frustration. “Classes are going on, but the building is barely habitable. We’ve been waiting for help for weeks now, and still, nothing has happened.”
The damage has left the students and faculty in a state of discomfort, forced to endure less-than-ideal conditions to continue their education.
While the County Education Officer’s office has made multiple visits to the site, no tangible repairs have been made, and the Ministry of Education’s local office in Bong County has yet to step in with a solution.
David V. Gbokay the Ministry’s officer for Bong County, assured that the issue would be addressed once he returned to Gbarnga. However, as time passes with no action, the frustration within the school community has grown.
“It’s disappointing,” said one teacher, who asked to remain anonymous. “They promised to help, but the lack of urgency makes it hard to believe anything will happen.”
Further complicating the situation, there have been reports of criminals breaking into the school at night. Without any hired security personnel, the facility has become vulnerable to theft and vandalism, exacerbating an already difficult environment for learning.
Despite a recent visit by the Ministry’s local office, which took measurements of the damage, no definitive timeline for repairs has been provided.
The school’s leadership has received little reassurance, with no clear plan of action for renovation or reconstruction.
As the school prepares to reopen, the building’s decrepit state presents a stark contrast to the educational environment that students deserve. The local community is calling on the Ministry of Education and relevant authorities to intervene urgently, restore the school, and ensure that students can study in a safe and conducive environment.
“The wellbeing and education of the students at Dorothy Cooper must not continue to be compromised by the lack of action. It is time for those in power to act swiftly and decisively before the situation worsens further,” one concerned parent told FrontPageAfrica.
The school building, once a place of learning and growth, now offers little shelter or protection from the elements.
This situation has sparked widespread frustration, particularly when set against the backdrop of a lavish project underway in Bong County.
The county recently committed to building a $300,000, three-story administrative complex to house key officials, including the County Administrative Officer and the County Development Officer.
The extravagant cost of the project, especially given the pressing needs in local education, healthcare, and infrastructure, has led to widespread outcry from the community.
“The people of Bong County have been waiting for better schools, roads, and healthcare,” said Jefferson Massah, a local resident. “Instead, we see our money being spent on houses for officials who already have homes. It’s a slap in the face.”
Charles King, another local resident, echoed Massah’s sentiments, criticizing the prioritization of luxury projects over essential services. “The people need schools and healthcare, not expensive buildings for the already well-off,” King said. “These projects may provide personal gains for a few, but they do nothing for the long-term benefit of the community.”
The backlash is compounded by the education sector’s neglect.
With over ten unfinished development projects left behind by the previous administration, residents are increasingly concerned about the state of local schools, including the Lelekpayea Public School. At the Lelekpayea school, children often have to sit on rocks or stand in class due to a lack of furniture, further underscoring the disparity between the county’s priorities and the needs of its students.
For the children and educators at Dorothy Cooper Junior and Semi High School, tomorrow’s return to class will come under the shadow of uncertainty.
Yet the school’s struggles are emblematic of a larger issue in Bong County — one that requires not only immediate attention but a shift in priorities to ensure that the basic needs of its people are met.
Until then, the students and teachers at Dorothy Cooper will continue to endure, hoping for the change they have been promised but not yet seen.
